"One thing is for sure... you won’t soon forget these tales." GEEKS OF DOOM
TTA #1
NERDSPAN REVIEW-- TTA #1
Short stories are in short supply in most comics nowadays. Occasionally DC or Marvel will put out an anthology comic.
Those’ll set you back $8, and while often well worth it – the recent Time Warp anthology from Vertigo had some spectacular stories in it, for example – they’re still few and far between. In indy comics, and particularly small-press fare, though, short stories thrive. A lot of autobio comics are comprised of multiple vignettes, and Adrian Tomine’s Optic Nerve is almost entirely made up of short stories (whenever he gets around to putting an issue out, anyway).
Tales to Admonish #1, then, has an edge right off. The plural in the title is no misnomer, as writer Andrez Bergen and artist Matt Kyme present three short stories, each a different genre – crime, superhero/comedy, and supernatural noir, respectively. Bergen and Kyme bring a macabre sense of humor to each story, and it makes for a really enjoyable read.
Part of the strength of the book is that the characters feel well-defined. Bergen and Kyme put some established archetypes to good use – the do-gooder superhero, the gritty noir detective, to name a few – and while those provide a base for the characters, the creators fill in the rest on their own to great effect. The criminals in the first story are funny and relatable, and the comic shop they frequent is recognizable to anyone familiar at all with the direct comics market. The second story, of the caped hero Sir Omphalos out on patrol, is the shortest and sparsest story, relying more heavily on the character types than any of the other story and filling in the rest of the story with a sly, winking humor.
The final story, “Lazarus Slept.”, is easily the strongest of the trio. The tale of P.I. Roy Sherer and his assistant, Suzie, hits exactly the right mixture of all of its parts – noir, supernaturalism/horror, and droll, dark humor. The reader joins the pair as they’re in the middle of a case, and their interaction – as well as the interactions they have with the third, undead character in the story – welcomes the reader in like a friendly handshake. It’s as if these characters have been around for ages. There is backstory behind the dialogue and outside of this short story that comes through perfectly well without being said. That unwritten depth is the truest sign of a well-crafted story.
Matt Kyme’s artwork is solid throughout this comic. His style is versatile enough to comfortably illustrate three very different stories, and he uses enough variety in his linework and his page composition that it’s almost as if each story has a different artist. It helps that he colors each story differently as well – the crime story with a more ‘realistic’ palette, the story of Sir Omphalos with bright primary colors, and the noir piece with more muted tones. Kyme gives each story its own distinct look and feel, and it adds a ton to the overall book.
Tales to Admonish #1 is a great read, really fun and different. The book bills itself as “push[ing] the boundaries of silver age comics, pulp, horror & detective noir—with a surreal bent.” That sums it up quite nicely. The digital edition of the book is available here for only $1.00. It’s hard to go wrong with three complete stories for a buck.
Tales to Admonish is the latest creative endeavor from Australian author Andrez Bergen, who recently brought us Who Is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa? With words by Bergen and art by Matt Kyme, the comic hearkens back to the Silver Age style, with a vibe that’s part tribute, part tongue-in-cheek. Even the title is a spoof of Marvel’s '60s comic series Tales to Astonish, and the '60s vibe is present throughout, in the artistic style and in other, more subtle ways.
The three stories told in this first issue are all adapted from stories in Bergen’s anthology, The Condimental Op. First up is “Sugar/Spice/Dice” (formerly “Sugar & Spice” in the anthology) about a couple of kids who try to steal a valuable comic from a shop, only to have it go horribly wrong. While a good story, it was one of the less memorable ones in The Condimental Op, but I think it works a lot better as a comic. The visual element helps to set the scene better and makes the story more engaging. In addition, look for some fun Easter eggs in the comic titles shown on the shelves.
Next up is “Icing on the Cape,” which comes from a deleted scene from Heropa. It introduces us to Sir Omphalos, the legendary superhero of the titular city, who is often talked about in the book, but never seen. The tongue-in-cheek Silver Age style is most palpable in this one. Not only are there a couple of cameo appearances, we even get to hear the Big O exclaim, “Blazes!” It’s an extremely short adventure, and if you’re not familiar with Heropa, it might seem somewhat random and abrupt. It’s still an entertaining piece, though. And if, like me, you ARE familiar with Heropa, it’s pretty cool to see the Big O in full flight.
Finally, we have “Lazarus Slept,” which, in my opinion, is the best of the lot. I love the two main characters, Roy Scherer and Suzie Miller, Investigators of the Paranormal and Supermundane, who had a whole series of adventures in The Condimental Op. Roy is the hard-boiled private investigator, and Suzie is his annoyingly effervescent partner. Their stories are part noir, part horror, and part comedy, and the banter between the two characters is golden.
In “Lazarus Slept,” we see them go up against a zombie, which Suzie is quick to point out doesn’t actually meet the technical definition of a zombie, and is in fact something else entirely. They argue about technical definitions while facing down the undead. This is why I love Roy and Suzie. I’d love to see Mr. Bergen write some more adventures for them down the line.
Even the last page reinforces the tongue-in-cheek Silver Age motif. There’s a section for letters, notes from the editor, an increasingly bizarre list of upcoming comics, and more, all dripping with silliness and sarcasm. There’s even an invitation to join their fan club and an uncomfortably sexist call for submissions—both staples of the Silver Age of Comics.
All-in-all, this is a fun first issue, and it will be interesting to see what tales Bergen and Kyme will admonish us with next.
When I chose Tales To Admonish for review, it was mainly the catchy title that drew me in.
I know that’s a horrible reason but I was hoping it was related in some way to Tales To Astonish which I loved years ago. Turns out that the creators of this comic came up with the idea the day after Jack Kirby’s ninety-sixth birthday. And it’s not so much an homage as it is tongue-in-cheek. Each issue has three short comics, each with vastly different stories to tell. But one thing is for sure, you won’t soon forget these tales.
The debut issue, Tales To Admonish #1, starts off with two guys trying to rob a comic store, in broad daylight. But the funny thing about “Sugar/Spice/Dice” is that that’s not even the dumbest thing they do. I will admit to not getting some of the Down Under slang being used in the story, but I got the gist of it at least.
The second story, “Icing On The Cape,” contains a lot of pop culture referencing (albeit of days gone by) and not just a little irony. But the true star of this issue, in my eyes, is the final story, “Lazarus Slept.” Featuring two paranormal investigators, Roy and Suzie, the dialogue in the story transforms what might have been a horror tale into one of hilarity. Even when forced to deal with an undead creature, they are more focused on their own relationship and less on the plight of the “monster.” I was chuckling the entire time I was reading it.
And to my surprise, Roy and Suzie reappear in the first story of the second issue! “Adam’s Ribs” is a tale of vampire slaying with a bit of Buffy love to make it that much better. By the end, staking the nosferatu seems almost an afterthought. It was quite funny and entertaining, to boot! “In All Fur Coat, No Knickers” we are given a glimpse of how trying it must be for superheroines to have a life outside of all that saving the world business.
The final tale in Tales To Admonish #2 is one of post-apocalyptic survival called “Salvation Nation.” Two lonely survivors expend the last of their oxygen on a quest for the Salvation Device. Supposedly this machine can save them from dying. But this story has a moral: we careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
Writer Andrez Bergen does a bang up job, like always. Well known for his noir writing styles, he’s done a little bit of everything. Australian by birth, he regularly collaborates with artist Matt Kyme, who also happens to be from Melbourne. And while they individually are both awesome at what they do, together these two gentlemen turn out spectacular work. I’ve been following Andrez for quite a while, we became Facebook friends when I expressed an interest in one of his graphic novels. Matt is new to me, but I’m quickly becoming a fan. His bold art strikes a chord with me.
Amazingly enough, these comics are super inexpensive if you buy them in digital form and only slightly more if you want a paper copy. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves something offbeat. Some of the dialogue reminds me of Drew Hayes’ Poison Elves in that the snarky verbiage really creates the right mood for the story itself. Pick this series up if you can, it’s a hidden gem that deserves to be in your collection. No really, it does.
I love comics, this is no great revelation to anyone who knows me even slightly. I started reading them in the early 1970s and have experienced some major ups and downs in the industry over the years.
What I have missed mostly is the passion and heart-felt love for the medium that creators in the golden age of comics breathed into their creations. I read books and watch movies too. But there is something about the relationship between writer and artist, the collaboration of ideas and execution that makes a great comic book. Probably the greatest example of this symbiotic relationship is Stan “The Man” Lee and Jack “King” Kirby.
They spent the 1960s creating such timeless characters as the Fantastic Four, Hulk and the X-Men. At times that passion is hard to find in an industry that has become so mainstream these days. There is so much ego in the writing, so little time and passion in the art and, realistically speaking, the history of the comic book characters has much less influence on the movie versions than it should. It has almost an opposite effect where the movies are influencing the directions of the characters in the comics (cough) Nick Fury (cough), and that is just tragic. I personally search for creators with some of that passion that brings me back to the four-color world that I grew up in.
IF? Commix created by Andrez Bergen (Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa?) and Matt Kyme (That Bulletproof Kid) has been that time machine that takes me back to a better time.
Oddly enough I met Andrez when I previewed his novel Heropa, which I loved (read my article Preview: Who Is Killing The Great Capes Of Heropa?or better yet just go get the book, you won’t be disappointed.
The pair have created the first two issues of a noir anthology called Tales to Admonish and they are what I have been missing. Described as, “a comic that myth and legend envy, a comic cloned from the DNA of Gandhi, Jack Black, Bruce Lee, Genghis Khan, Normie Roe, Kim Clijsters and Jack Kirby. A comic that was printed with ink from an Architeuthis and printed on paper pulped from General Sherman.
A comic that made angels weep and demons flee. A comic that shames all that came before and after.” you can be sure that this pair of creators are in it for the passion of creating, the love of comics, and the desire to illicit a reaction from each reader.
Do yourselves a favor head over to the IF? Commix website where you can get digital copies of Tales to Admonish #1 and #2 for just $1 each.
The price alone hearkens to a better day in comics. Support creativity!
Up next is Tales to Admonish #2, which Andrez Bergen sent over to me.
This is an anthology book he wrote and which Matt Kyme drew, and which is published through their company IF? Commix, where you can get it on-line or order a print version. This came out in January, but considering that the gentlemen in question are Australian (Bergen lives in Tokyo, but he’s still an Aussie), I imagine if you live in the States, it might be a bit difficult to find this.
The three stories in the issue are all darkly humorous horror stories, in the grand tradition of the old House of Mystery/House of Secrets kinds of things that DC used to publish. In the first story, a vampire hunter named Roy who looks and acts like a 1940s noir detective gets in a bit of a modern argument with his assistant, Suzie, who wants to make sure the guy they’re about to kill is really a vampire (Roy and Suzie are characters from one of Bergen’s novel, but unlike the next character, I haven’t read the one they appear in). It’s a clever tale, made better by Roy’s seemingly lackadaisical attitude toward his work, which of course masks how good he is at it. He has a sardonic wit, as well, and that helps turn the story into something a bit more clever than a simple vampire killing. The second story features Bullet Gal, a character from Bergen’s recent novel (which I reviewed here), and it’s a fairly simple crook bust-up with a bit of sexiness thrown in for fun. The third story features two survivors of a nuclear holocaust who find a machine that promises “salvation.” This is the most reminiscent of something Warren Publishing would have put out in the 1960s or DC would have done in the 1970s – it features two twists at the end and a huge dose of irony, and it’s also bleakly hilarious.
Kyme’s rough style works well with the first and third stories and less with the Bullet Gal one. She’s not glamorous enough for the story to really work well, although the opening page is quite nice. In the first story, his use of hatching helps create a nice noir tone for the story, and his subtle facial expressions work really well to convey Roy’s steely exterior. The third story opens with a wonderful splash page of a devastating explosion, and later, Kyme gives us another beautiful page of the inside of the lab where the two survivors find the device. He uses fewer holding lines in this story, so it feels more open and airy, unlike the claustrophobic first story. Kyme is channeling Kirby a little in the third story (Bergen’s script even mentions the Kirby-esque quality of the lab, as you can see if you click the scan above this to embiggen it), but it works quite well.
Tales to Admonish is a nifty comic, and according to If? Commix, you can get it for one thin dollar (the cover says $5, so I’m not sure if the print version costs more). I dig anthologies, of course, so I might be a bit more pre-disposed to like this, but it’s entertaining and clever, and that’s not a bad thing at all.
Tales to Admonish is a breath of fresh air in the comic book industry.
We don’t really get to see a lot of graphic fiction like this in the current market. There is a kind of dark humor in here that we don’t get from anything else on the shelves.The fact that you can just jump in whenever is a really nice selling point for me as well. I generally like to catch up to a series from the beginning, but let’s face it, comic books are expensive, and they aren’t getting any cheaper. Thanks to Comixology for their .99 cent sales though, which have been awesome recently, that has become more possible. But let me get back on track.
Andrez Bergen and Matt Kyme tackle this particular issue really well. Touching on subject matter from the ever-popular vampire myth and classic noir to science fiction. Just imagine a Dark Horse Presents... based on characters that you’ve never seen the likes of before. This book is original, but is very clearly influenced by pre-existing styles that work. The stories aren’t uncomfortably or painfully long either. Just long enough for all of you who do all of your reading in a hurry. So if you’re one of those folks who read on the toilet, you’re in luck.
At the risk of sounding impatient or uneducated, I really like that this book contains stories that you don’t have to think about too much. Sometimes I find myself needing a nap after a lot of the current books that I read. These funny books started out being for kids for crying out loud. Something has gone wrong somewhere along the line.
I think that what surprised me the most about the book is that I was so attracted to the art. The cover art, the interior art, everything. It’s easy on the eyes. It is simple and descriptive while staying close or matching perfectly the tone of the script. The art somehow finds a way to adapt based on the script’s content.
Dark humor like this is usually derivative, but I’m glad to see that Andrez Bergen has found a way to make it his own. It doesn’t make me want to smack someone in the face like it usually does. Plus I didn’t feel that impulsive need to roll my eyes after every corny joke. It’s a fun script that deserves a read. Whether you’re a huge comic book fan or not, you’ll get exactly what you’re paying for with this.
Give these guys your business. You can find out all you need to know here at http://iffybizness.weebly.com/. If you don’t like what you see, I’m not that hard to get in touch with. Drop me a line.
A new series being published by Australian comics publisher, if? Commix, Tales to Admonish is an anthology series with a fondness for the classics. Not classics in the sense of Silver Age or Golden Age cape comics, but something with a lot more pulp. The shorts filling out the pages of Tales to Admonish issue two are filled with a b-movie style, camp sensibility that touts pieces of the strange, caped crusaders and a post World War Three tale. The visuals are a solid pairing and there is a lot to enjoy here.
One thing about anthology books is that their length is often skewed by the number of different stories on display within the book’s pages. Here, Bergen and Kyme, in under twenty pages of true content, present three different stories, each with their own flavor. Initially, the odd pairing of Roy Sherer and Suzie Miller, investigators of the strange, return after their appearance in the first issue. The duo debate and disagree over the likelihood of a man being definitively a vampire. Suzie is not convinced, despite the obvious, and cautions against the possibility of a mistake and lawsuit. It’s silly and, naturally, the debate takes just long enough to let the creature strike.
The next two stories feature a female vigilante caught between a dilemma of nothing to wear on her date and a crime in progress, and a duo looking for a solution to staying alive after a nuclear fallout in the not-too-distant future. Each story lasts a few pages but offers enough to be satisfying. Bergen has a great sense of timing and voice to give each of these characters and their stories their own distinctions. Writers who shoulder several series and characters are tasked with treating each one with enough independence that they stand apart. With an anthology series, scripted by one author, that task becomes harder as the varying stories come one after another. Bergen, though, does a very good job and the issue holds up quite well.
The timing and tone of this type of series requires a complementary art style in order to be truly effective. Kyme’s art is every bit that. Each of the three tales take on a slightly different stylization. Whether its a small shift in character design, the panel sequencing, or the shift in color choice, Tales to Admonish is successful in providing some distinction to each of its three shorts. Kyme is a great choice for capturing the era and style intended.
Though the genre of these stories, as well as the anthology-presentation itself typically attract a smaller and more specific audience, Tales to Admonish works because it feels honest. The stories on display here are not ironic or using the air of homage to falsely attract fans of the genre. Instead, Bergen and Kyme do a solid job at offering new chapters into an old style. So while it won’t be for everyone, readers who are likely to seek out great pulp and monster stories have a lot to love here and Tales to Admonish really is a great bit of fun.
Tales to Admonish #2 is the latest issue by Australian author Andrez Bergen, writer of the detective noir superhero novel Who Is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa?
Together with words and art by fellow Melbournian Matt Kyme (That Bullet Proof Kid), Tales to Admonish draws its influences from the Silver Age of comic books, with a deft tongue-in-cheek slant that offers a fresh synergy of storytelling and art.
For this second issue, Japan based writer Andrez Bergen’s delivers three very distinct stories, best surmised as an eclectic mix of the Kolchak the Night Stalker, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The Twilight Zone. The twenty “full colour" (well almost) pages by Matt Kyme channels the essence of Bergen’s stories perfectly, melding silver age styles and early Marvel ‘60s influences, to make Tales to Admonish one of the standout new Aussie indie comic book titles.
The first story, 'Adam’s Ribs', features the return of Roy Scherer and Suzie Miller, characters from The Condimental Op (Andrez Bergen’s collection of short stories, comics and articles of music, movies, and Japan) as they go about one of their darkly macabre, and very humorous, paranormal investigations.
Bergen keeps the dark humour flowing right from the start, as Roy and Suzie’s attempts to deal with a vampire doesn’t go quite according to plan. The chemistry between these Investigators of the Paranormal and the Supermundane is superb; Roy is the shady tough-guy private investigator, while Suzie is his enthusiastic partner. 'Adam’s Ribs' is a perfect fusion of film noir and horror, the banter between Roy and Suzie is great, and this story was my favourite of the issue.
Bullet Gal leaps into action in the second story: 'All Fur Coat, No Knickers'. This character from Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa? makes a big impression here, when her preparations for a date with Lee is interrupted by a heist at a nearby store. Fortunately she has time to kill before meeting him, so before the thieves can escape Bullet Gal quickly deals with them and manages to pick the perfect outfit for her date as well. I really enjoyed this story too, Bergen writes some cracking dialogue for Bullet Gal, making her tough, fun, and with a razor sharp edge, qualities that allows Kyme’s art to really shine as Bullet Gal fights crime and finds a killer look for her date.
The final story, 'Salvation Nation', is set in an apocalyptic future after WWIII has devastated the Earth.
Two survivors in radiation suits search the ruins of what was once a gleaming metropolis, their oxygen supply is running low, but still they press on, determined to complete their mission at all costs. Deep beneath the city they manage to gain access to a secret laboratory, where they find a device that could make them the ultimate survivors of their doomed planet. 'Salvation Nation' is the most sci-fi-themed story of this issue, with some great art by Matt Kyme, who creates some impressive cityscapes and the complex machinery in the lab is also a knowing tip of the hat to the past, while Bergen’s story has a fittingly macabre sting in its tail for one of the characters.
The final pages feature some pin up art work by Matt Kyme, and the tongue-in-cheek Silver Age theme continues through to the letters section, and the editorial notes about upcoming comics are also fun to browse. Tales to Admonish #2 has three great stories by Andrez Bergen, each being darkly humourous and brimming with classic comic book influences. Matt Kyme’s art is consistent throughout, he has the versatility to give each tale his own style and tone, as well as varying the bold colour palette to accentuate the key moments as they unfold.
Tales to Admonish #2 was a fun and entertaining read, it will be interesting to see what Bergen and Kyme have in store their next issue.
I'd like to start out by saying that I believe, unintentionally, to have put my foot in my mouth.
I had mused one day about authors' works that I would like to see recreated in a graphic format on my Facebook page.
I had recently finished reading "Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa?", and included its author, Andrez Bergen on that list. Mind you, Andrez had sent me a PDF version of "Tales to Admonish" #2 to take a look at before said musing.
I had downloaded it and taken a quick look, but hadn't gotten past the title page, with which I was impressed. I came back to it earlier this week, and read through it.
Back to the foot-in-mouth incident; Andrez already has a talented artist illustrating his characters in Matt Kyme! Mea culpa Matt! Your artistry perfectly fits the stories that Andrez brings to the table.
Let's get to the review, now that I've got that off my chest. We start out with 'Adam's Ribs' a tale featuring Andrez's characters Roy and Suzie, involved in a bit of vampire hunting. Roy's the hard-bitten professional type, with a flair for sarcastic wit; Suzie's his vivacious assistant, who seems to have a bit of a problem with the proceedings, which I'll get to in a sec. The tale starts at what you would think would be the end; Roy musing about previous vampire kills to himself, about to stake another fanged bozo. As he brings the hammer down to drive in the stake... OBJECTION! On Suzie's part, that is.
Apparently, she wants to be dead certain that the corpse in question is actually what he appears to be. Her distraction, causing Roy to misplace his strike, does just that... Roy's musings throughout the ensuing incident are pure gold, along with Suzie's comebacks. A nice piece of noir, mixed with the supernatural. Matt's illustration's are stark black and white, with color inserted at times, which really draws the eye. His work illustrating the trio's expressions (Roy, Suzie, fang-boy) are highlights. Very nice! Had me laughing from the get-go!
Moving on, we have 'All Fur Coat, No Knickers', in which Bullet Gal manages to not only foil a robbery, but also find something nice to wear for her date! Pure old-school superhero goodness, in my opinion. If you want more (much, much more) background on Bullet Gal, check out the aforementioned "Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa?" The opening illustration by Matt definitely reminds me, in many ways, of a image of Sand Saref by the master Will Eisner. Once again, stark black and white, with accents of color.
The last of the tales is 'Salvation Nation' set in an a post WWIII setting, where almost everyone is dead. Two survivors in radiation suits search a deserted government base for the 'Salvation Device', their oxygen supply running low, in a desperate bid for survival. Their search is rewarded, but the results are not quite as they hoped for.
The last couple of frames had me crying "No. you fools!", but that's just me. Definitely evokes the feel of EC and Warren titles from yesteryear, crossed with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (one of the characters even makes a Kirby reference in the story). Matt's art is, once again, black and white, with flashes of color interspersed, but I believe this is a real highlight! Matt really knocks it out of the park on this one...
By the way, everything I just referenced, for those of you who haven't experienced the publishers/creators mentioned, means that you should run out and get this title... It's that good! Summing up, I'd rather be reading this than a large majority of more "mainstream" comics that are on the market. Andrez and Matt are both at the top of their game, and you all should take a look. Highly recommended, and if I could give it more than 5 stars on the ranking I would.
Another globe spanning anthology, this time from Australian duo Andrez Bergen and Matt Kyme.
The first issue, with it’s Kirby inspired cover is throw back to the days of pulp anthologies with 3 stories that range from nerdy crime thriller Sugar Spice Dice (the story of two geeks trying to rob a comic shop), to Lazarus Slept (a post-modern twist on the zombie tale, with a very noirish tone) via Icing on the Cape (a goofy superhero story). With different styles for each story, it helps give the book a really broad range, and with a knowing sense of humour and solid understanding of the genre, all three stories make for a fun read.
Issue 2 which set to be released on January 26th continues that trend but with a more crime based look and is packed full of sketchy monochrome noir. As with Outré Press there is plenty of variety in content here and there should be something for even the pickiest of digital comic fan.
—2014
BIG COMIC PAGE—TALES TO ADMONISH #2
Tales to Admonish #2 is a trilogy of short stories from the Aussie duo of Andrez Bergen and Matt Kyme, and perfectly summarises exactly what the pair have to offer.
Bergen’s writing has a dry, dark sense of humour, and he shows a great knack for realistic and witty dialogue. Kyme’s shadowy, heavily inked artwork, while occasionally lacking deal, has a great level of expressiveness to it and flows smoothly from panel to panel.
The three stories vary in theme and tone, with each only clocking in at around five pages, but in spite of this limited space, Bergen still does a decent job of telling three fully formed – albeit significantly abridged – tales.
The first story, ‘Adam’s Ribs’, features Vampire-slaying duo Roy and Suzie doing what they do best, and boasts some cracking noir-style narration from Roy. Probably the most intriguing of the three stories, this one definitely had me wanting to see more from the main characters, and I really got a kick out of their unusual ‘odd couple’ dynamic.
The second tale, ‘All Fur Coat, No Knickers’ was probably the weakest of the bunch, and featured golden age comics femme fatale ‘Bullet Gal’ thwarting an attempted heist. At only four pages long, with two of these being splash pages, the actual story felt a little rushed, and while I saw the intention of the ‘homage’-style dialogue (“Holy crapoli, it’s that dame Bullet Gal!”), there just wasn’t enough of a hook for it to really grab my attention.
The final story, ‘Salvation Nation’, was probably the complete tale of the trio, and delivered an intriguing and humorous setup with a smirk-raising ‘Twilight Zone’-esque conclusion. Featuring (possibly) the last two survivors of a post-apocalyptic Melbourne stumbling across what may be their only chance for salvation, this one stood on its own merit as a great example of minimalistic storytelling, and while it didn’t hook me into finding out more about the characters (for obvious reasons, as readers will find out) like ‘Adams Rib’ did, it probably left the biggest impression on me out of the whole issue.
So, overall, as a quick-fire ‘appetiser’, Tales to Admonish did one very important thing. It left me undeniably impressed by the abilities and the shared vision of its Aussie creators. Yes, there was the occasional rough line or dodgy panel, but the talent on display was obvious, and I’ find myself extremely keen to dig a little deeper into their other offerings and see what else they’re capable of. They‘re clearly having an absolute blast with what they’re doing, and the enthusiasm and joy that they share for creating these quirky characters and offbeat stories practically jumps off the page at you.
This one is well worth a look, as is – I can only assume – the rest of the If? Commix library. I’ll keep you posted when I find out for sure.
Tales To Admonish #3 is the latest issue of the noir adventure series by Australian writer Andrez Bergen (Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa? & prequel comic book series Bullet Gal) and artist Matt Kyme (That Bullet Proof Kid) and will be available in print form and digitally on August 17th 2014 from IF? Commix.
This third issue from Tokyo-based author Bergen and his fellow Melbournian, artist Matt Kyme, is their most innovative and stylish issue to date.
Tales to Admonish draws on many influences, predominantly from the Silver Age of comic books, to splice its rich blend pulp adventure and noir inspired visuals with a knowing twist of black humour.
Tales to Admonish #3 features two very different stories. 'Hell’s Angel' showcases the WWI ace pilot, “Wilks” Wilkinson, is a Biggles-style adventure set high in the skies above the North Sea where Wilks has a surprise run in with the goddess Britannia, and accidentally shoots at her before crashing his Sopwith Pup into the back of an enemy zeppelin. With his aircraft now embedded in the side of the zeppelin, one very angry goddess clinging to his planes landing gear, and the German’s shooting at him as the zeppelin rapidly loses altitude, our fearless hero must find a way out of his perilous predicament.
This Wilks Wilkinson tale is derived from The Condimental Op (Andrez Bergen’s collection of short stories, involving comic books and articles about music, movies, and Japan) and this faithful adaptation makes a seamless transition into the world of Tales to Admonsh. 'Hell’s Angel' is a great story, the dialogue is sharp and witty, and it’s sure to keep you guessing right up until the surprise ending
The second story features the return of Roy Scherer and Suzie Miller, who also featured in the first two issue of Tales To Admonish. 'Hock, Flock, and Two Choking Carols' sees this darkly comic duo and their paranormal investigations uncover a gruesome skeletal corpse – who also turns out to be their client. Matters are complicated further when they find a bizarre alien device near the dissolving remains.
Roy and Suzie are like chalk and cheese, they are also popular characters from The Condimental Op, and this decidedly odd couple make a terrific team. Roy is tough private investigator, while Suzie is the enthusiastic geek of the partnership. The banter between the two of them is really funny, with Roy more concerned about not getting paid now their client is dead, while Suzie is more fascinated by the alien technology.
'Hock, Flock, and Two Choking Carols' may be a little on the short side, but it’s a punchy little tale, and as ever where Roy Scherer and Suzie Miller are concerned, there is a fittingly neat twist that resolves the case.
This issue of Tales to Admonish is rounded off with brilliant piece from Sly, editor-in-chief, as he waxes lyrical about: “The Lamest Comic Book Villain Ever.” It serves as a perfect complement to his profile about Greatest Heroes from last months issue, and there are some equally fun references and anecdotes here as well.
Matt Kyme’s art is excellent throughout, both stories have their own distinct style, and Kyme perfectly captures the tong-in-cheek tone that makes Tales To Admonish such a great Aussie indie comic book.
I really like how Matt Kyme’s art manages to convey the characters emotions and expressions, the page layouts are really well structured, and every humorous line of dialogue is pitched just right.
As a series, Tales To Admonish is a terrific homage to the 1960s era of comics, with Bergen and Kyme ensuring there is just enough contemporary swagger to make every story shine.
The Silver Age themes are carried through to the Dejavu at the Neon Bullpen letters section, and there are notes and galleries featuring Bergen’s and Kyme’s many IF? Commix titles to enjoy as well.
The 32-page Tales To Admonish #3 comic will be published in print in Australia – launching on August 17th in Melbourne, with two striking covers by Andrez, and people can start ordering the physical edition internationally ($5, with no postage charge) or digital ($1) from that date, via the IF? Commix website.
Tales To Admonish #3 arrived in my inbox late last night, courtesy of the rather awesome AndrezBergen. I wasted no time messing about, and read through it at speed. I have to say that I was quite impressed with the two stories included in issue #3. With beautiful cover art by Andrez, story by same, and interior art by ace illustrator Matt Kyme, what's not to love?
Another great release from IF?COMMIX, you'll be able to get your hands on this release in August 2014. Well, let's get to the review...
Issue #3 opens with Hell's Angel, featuring WWI flying ace "Wilks" Wilkinson. Searching the skies above the North Sea for an enemy zeppelin, Wilks makes his first mistake of the war, compounded almost immediately by his second. What mistakes, you might ask? Well, I'll tell you.
Our intrepid flying ace makes the mistake of shooting the goddess Britannia, straight between the eyes with his Vickers machine gun. Not entirely his fault, of course, because why, exactly, should he be expecting a goddess to pop out of the clouds? None the less, that was his first mistake, and his day goes downhill from there. The second error comes as he's distracted by the first. Looking intently around for any hint of the perforated deity, Wilks doesn't happen to notice the very zeppelin he has been searching for, dead ahead... And he, of course, flies his Sopwith Pup straight into the side of the enemy dirigible (or, in his own words "I'd buggered a bloody zeppelin.").
Unfortunately, he's now stuck, unable to go anywhere, and the zeppelin is starting to lose altitude. The German soldiers on board are quite miffed with Wilks, and are giving vent to their frustration by taking potshots at the pilot. To add to his problems, there is a very annoyed goddess hanging off the landing gear of his plane, and she happens to have quite a few choice words for Wilks. Evidently, deities don't take too kindly to being shot at by the machine guns of British fly-boys. Really, can you blame her? I'm sure that Wilks didn't imagine being in this situation when he signed up to fly for the RFC. However, I'm sure our dashing hero will find a way to muddle through the pickle that he's in.
The second entry is a Roy and Suzie short (yay!), called Hock, Flock, and Two Choking Carols.
Our two intrepid investigators of the highly strange come across a partially disintegrated corpse (which also happens to be their client), and a strange piece of technology left near the body. Suzie, logical as always (except when she's not...), deduces that the tech is a disintegration ray, and of alien origin.
The always sarcastic Roy is more worried about the state their client is in, and the fact that he's in no shape to pay them. Cue rather hilarious verbal infighting between the two partners. The two are excellent examples of the odd couple type. Can't get along, but can't operate without each other. Short, but sweet. Don't stop reading there, but continue on to editor-in-chief Syl's diatribe of the worst comic book villain... EVER!
I'll not give away the identity of this most lowly of villains, but Syl compares the VIQ (villain in question) to Bennett from the Schwarzenegger action vehicle, Commando. A greatly humorous piece, and well worth reading.
Well, now we get to the part where I tell you what I think about this issue of Tales To Admonish, and exhort you to go out and buy it. There you go, now you don't have to read any further, just buy the release... Sorry, all, but I'm feeling a bit whimsical after reading this issue. The humor had me laughing at the top of my lungs in many instances, and I haven't quite recovered.
Hell's Angel is a visual adaptation of one of my favorite stories from Andrez's The Condimental Op (originally titled Victor Victoria, and if you haven't read it, here's a link to my review), which I've been waiting for with bated breath.
The absurdity of Wilks' situation is to die for, and the way he takes things in stride, just adds to the fun. A definite love note to the Biggles series by Captain W. E. Johns (here's the bio for the series, if you haven't heard of it, and here's Captain Johns bio) there's action and humor left to spare with this story. Andrez's writing is top notch, and the visuals by Matt are, as usual, outstanding. The expressions on the characters face are especially priceless.
Salutations to Andrez for dreaming up this entertaining story, and to Matt for rendering the art with his usual flare.
What to say about the Roy and Suzie entry? Although short, this has oodles of humor, as well. I'm a big fan of the duo, in general, and this is another fun entry featuring my favorite odd couple. Roy's the "seen it all, and got a t-shirt" type, who's exceedingly confident in the field, and prone to discount his partner, because of her lack of experience. Suzie is the info geek of the two, and meanders between logic and whimsy, depending on the time of day. Both moods seem to grate on Roy's nerves, but deep down, he knows he can't get by without her. The two are absolute peas in a pod, although I'm not sure they're aware of the fact.
Despite grating on each other's nerves, they both are more formidable as a whole.
The story is short, but contains everything needed to be enjoyable. Matt's art depicts the dynamic of the partnership perfectly, and, once again, the expressions on the duo's faces are delightful. Finally, I want to talk about the extras included in the release, other than the two stories. The intro was very humorous, and the end editorial by Syl had me laughing out loud. The letters section is also recommended, if you want a laugh.
The creators at IF? COMMIX are doing their best to give you a total comic experience, with all their releases, and I, for one, totally appreciate their efforts. Despite being a unique journey, the stories told contain the spirit of older releases, and are reminiscent of the titles I used to enjoy as a wee lad.
Why don't you take a look at their work, and give these underground maestros your support? As far as myself, this comes with my highest recommendations, and I urge you to take a look at these quality stories. And hopefully, Andrez will do a graphic adaptation of A Woman of Some Sense soon, which is another favorite from The Condimental Op.